Can my Berkeley be bettered? / DAC future

[shaq]

I acquired a Berkeley DAC about 18 months ago. It was revolutionary as a core piece in my transition to computer audio. It was also an excellent value, especially in audiophile context.

 

This is a rapidly evolving area. Is there a DAC out there now that readily surpasses the Berkeley? Please describe the sonic improvements.

 

And at what price? Do I have to pay $5- $10k more? Aaaccckkk!

 

Are new DACs just going to keep coming at us, better than the last? Is there room for significant improvement with these devices?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Purite Audio]

Shaq Hi, how do you connect the Berkeley to your computer?

Keith.

 

[shaq]

Lynx card /Straight Wire cable AES Connector

 

[Part-Time Audiophile]

It'll cost you $500. The device you want is the Analog Research Legato. It'll come with a USB cable with the power-leg removed and a special purpose BNC cable ideal for your setup. And it'll totally crush your Lynx. You'll not be able to run hi-res through it, but so what? If it's important, keep your Lynx and just run them in parallel. Done.

 

As for improvements, you'll have a more extended treble, a more authoritative and tuneful bass. Tone will be richer. And the whole will sound more relaxed, easy, and natural than your Lynx.

 

[silverlight]

Check which filter you're using for 16/44 music, some (including myself) found one of the non-default filters meaningfully better can't remember which one (filter 2?). Just experiment if you haven't already with the different filters. Cheers!

 

[bordin]

You may check with Bob whose BADA has been "transformed" to be a top-notch player of another class.

 

 

> About my BADA clock...

 

By 'master clock,' I meant the clock that actually drives the DAC chip. In the case of the BADA, this clock operates at a frequency of 25.5760 MHz.

 

As I was unable to find an off-the-shelf oscillator with requisite performance (10 PPM, 15 pF, etc.) and form factor (HC-49/U), I had 500 pieces fabricated in China.

 

...

 

 

[The Computer Audiophile]

I thought I saw Bob's BADA on Audiogon a few months ago.

 

[bordin]

I think Bob got his new LIO-8. ;-)

 

The BADA employs the AD1852 D/A converter which is the same one in my OMZ DAC. My Metric Halo ULN-2, using the AK4395 converter, has a different sonic signature from the AD1852's.

 

One of my friends prefers his BADA while I prefer my ULN-2, soundwise. Significantly, the BADA and the OMZ is very sensitive to quality of the AES/EBU or S/PDIF source.

 

I'll be having a chance to compare the Weiss DAC202 and the BADA against my ULN-2 in my system, perhaps with the Woo Audio WES Max as well. :-)

 

[The Computer Audiophile]

"Significantly, the BADA and the OMZ is very sensitive to quality of the AES/EBU or S/PDIF source."

 

Agreed.

 

Although the new Berkeley USB to AES component may do quite a bit to help this.

 

[barkerpusa]

And still no news from Berkeley as to when this mythical USB/AES adapter will see the light of day!!

 

[The Computer Audiophile]

I definitely hear you barkerpusa. I wish more information was made available to the public about this one. I talk to BAD frequently and can guarantee the product is not mythical :~)

 

[SteveChicago]

I suggest you contact Dave Schulte at the Upgrade Company. He can do wonders modifying DACs and other components.

 

Steve

 

[jonmarsh]

I'm getting that will be a nice partner to my Berkeley DAC- and late August for TweekGeek in the US isn't too long to wait.

 

Search the forum, there's also some discussion of a clock mod for the Berkeley, which has reportedly given good results. That's internal, of course.